MOVING FORWARD: HOW SCIENTISTS CAN INFORM PRACTICAL, PUBLIC, AND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT ETHICAL RESEARCH WITH NONHUMAN PRIMATES

Ethical and practical decisions about human interactions with other animals is often the subject of consideration at many different levels-- by individuals, communities, nations, and global society. There are, however, common and central components that guide deliberation and policy decisions about scientific research and about the care, housing, treatment, and oversight of nonhuman animals living in captive settings. I will provide an overview of the current policies and guidelines for nonhuman animal care, treatment, and scientific research across a range of settings. I will also highlight how current changes and challenges in practice, policy, and public support affect decisions about the maintenance and use of nonhuman primates living in those different settings. The scientific community should actively participate and inform dialogue and policy considerations that affect decisions about scientific research, public interests in such research, and standards for the care and treatment of these animals. Thus, I will provide information about how scientists are involved (or can become involved) to bring much-needed scientific evidence and perspectives to broad policy and public conversations about nonhuman animal research.